YOUNGSTERS from Blaenau Gwent have outlined their pioneering plans to stop bullying to Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The youth mayor of Blaenau Gwent, Luke Young, and deputy youth mayor, Cameron Thomas, recently made a visit to Downing Street to talk to Tony Blair about the Talk It Up anti-bullying campaign.

The project, developed by Blaenau Gwent Youth Forum, has already received support from sportsmen Brian Flynn, Jonathan Davies and John Toshack.

The initiative aims to develop a bullying strategy that ensures all young people living in the county borough have a safe environment to learn and play both in and out of school.

The Blaenau Gwent Youth Forum is currently writing a draft bullying policy in partnership with parents and teachers which, when completed, will hopefully be adopted by every school in Blaenau Gwent.

The different anti-bullying programmes being used across the county borough will be evaluated and the most effective ones will be used across local schools and youth work networks.

The forum consists of 52 members representing local organisations and clubs including school councils, church groups, the Salvation Army, NCH Cymru and sports clubs.

Luke Young, who attends Nantyglo Comprehensive school, said: "The Forum gives young people living in the county borough an opportunity to express their views, make changes in their communities and take responsibility for decisions that affect their lives.

"Having positive role models supporting the anti-bullying campaign gives the project the longevity needed to reinforce the message that bullying is not cool."

Councillor Gill Clark, executive member for helping people into work, said: "I am pleased that the importance of young people's involvement in advising local policy has been acknowledge at the highest level.

"This campaign is an excellent initiative being drafted for young people by young people."